Introduction
Starting your journey as a nursing student is an exciting phase of student life. Your first year as a nursing student lays the foundation for your entire nursing career. During this course of time, you will learn to communicate effectively and gain the confidence required to step into a hospital environment. Irrespective of your nursing course, the first year introduces you to new concepts, clinical exposure, and immerses you in an entirely new learning environment and approach.
This blog covers 10 things you should understand as a first-year nursing student.
10 Things You Should Know As a First Year Nursing Student
1. A Profession of Discipline and Responsibility
Many aspiring nursing students assume that a nursing course is merely about memorizing the concepts. Nursing is a responsible driven profession, which requires dedication, emotional strength, and a sense of willingness to serve society.
This profession will teach-
- Adapting to strict schedules
- Grooming rules
- Professional behaviour
Tips for nursing students
From day one as a nursing student, start thinking like a nurse and not just as a student. Build discipline at an early stage and prevent taking stress at the later stages.
2. Master the Course Syllabus
The nursing curriculum is definitely a challenging one. It introduces foundational subjects that further help you to understand the human anatomy and provide exceptional care to patients.
First year nursing core subjects include:
- Microbiology
- Psychology
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Nursing fundamentals
Though these subjects might feel heavy during the first year of nursing, it’s crucial for clinical performance.
Tips for nursing students
Prepare a timetable considering your schedule and manage your time effectively. Doing so, you will be able to keep track of all activities.
3. Be Prepared for Clinical Rotations
One of the most exciting and nerve-wracking experiences as a first year nursing student is clinical rotations.
During your clinical experience, you will learn to-
- Take the vital signs of patients
- Learn effective communication
- Basic nursing procedures, such as bedside procedures, hygiene, and infection control
You might feel nervous on the first day of your clinical experience and it’s completely normal. You will gain confidence with time.
Tips for nursing students
- Always revise the clinical procedures before you start the duty.
- Maintain proper grooming, be attentive and punctual.
4. Time Management Skills
Often, nursing students juggle between classes, clinical rotations, labs, assignments, exams, and studying. Nursing students time management skills are crucial, as without proper time management, everything piles up.
Tips for nursing students
- Create a to-do list consisting of a weekly study plan.
- Revise regularly rather than stressing at the last minute.
- Work on high-priority tasks first, i.e., assignments and records.
- Do not procrastinate.
- Use digital tools to keep track of your activities.
5. Self-care
Nursing is a profession that requires you to stay healthy to take care of patients. Students, especially first year nursing students, neglect their physical and mental health owing to busy schedules.
Regular self-care prevents stress and burnout, develops emotional strength, and improves concentration.
Tips for nursing students
- Eat nutritious food and stay hydrated
- Maintain a proper sleep routine
- Avoid taking excessive stress
- Get involved in yoga or physical exercises
6. Focus on Communication Skills
On a regular basis, nurses communicate with doctors, patients, and hospital staffs. So, having good communication skills is not just optional, it’s essential and a key skill for a nursing student.
Tips for nursing students
- Develop active communication skills
- Building a good rapport
- Listen attentively without any interruption
- Have empath
- Have confidence while communicating
7. Financial Management
Nursing education is not affordable these days. So, it is essential to keep track of your finances and ensure they don’t exceed your education budget.
Tips for nursing students
Search for free seminars and scholarships that assist nursing students from their first year of college.
8. Embrace Flexibility
Nursing education presents unexpected challenges, stressful situations, and changes in your schedule. To embrace these unexpected changes, you need to be flexible enough to go with the flow and learn.
Additionally, embrace discomfort and learn perseverance, as mistakes and challenges are part of the learning process in the nursing domain.
Tips for nursing students
Remember, you are getting nursing education along with fellow students. Communicate with experts and join discussion forums, where you will get answers from the experts. There are also nurses in your clinical routine who will help you tackle the difficult situations.
9. Record Writing is a Part of your Routine
Nursing students could relate to the struggles of completing assignments, records, and preparing charts.
Though assignments and records are time-consuming, it help you to:
- Thoroughly understand the nursing process
- Enhances your documentation skills
- Understand the patient’s condition in detail
Tips for nursing students
Never leave assignments and records to the last minute. Write it regularly to avoid last-minute hassles.
10. Rewarding Career with Global Opportunities
The first year of nursing often feels overwhelming, but aspiring nursing students should understand that, they are entering into the most in-demand profession worldwide.
After completing the nursing course, graduates can go for:
- Respect in society
- International opportunities
Tips for nursing students
- Start preparing for competitive exams early
- Gain experience in reputable hospitals
- Improve English proficiency, such as IELTS, TOEFL,etc..
- Understand about global nursing licensing examinations
- Focus on soft skills and clinical skills
- Stay up-to-date with the latest nursing technologies
- Get globally recognized certifications
- Choose colleges with international exposure
- Get connected with alumni or recruiters working abroad
Every effort counts in the nursing journey, from a student till you become a nursing professional.
Final Thoughts
We hope this nursing student guide will help you understand what you need to know as a first year nursing student as you embark on your nursing education.
The first year of your nursing college is the most exhilarating experience and lays a robust foundation for your future. While it seems challenging at the initial stages, with the right discipline, dedication, and mindset, you can excel in the domain.
Nursing education is rooted in compassion and continuous learning. Over time, you will gain confidence and change the lives of others.
